The Nomadic Affairs Department in Khoy has established thirty-nine new handicrafts workshops for local nomadic youth. This major development initiative aims to boost regional economic empowerment while creating long-term sustainable jobs. Moreover, the project strengthens the financial independence of nomadic families through efforts to preserve traditional arts and crafts.
Reza Qolivaseghi, the head of the Nomadic Affairs Department, highlighted the initiative’s primary goals. Officials launched these centers specifically to foster sustainable employment opportunities in vulnerable rural areas. Consequently, the younger generation can achieve economic stability without abandoning their unique ancestral way of life.
These newly opened workshops provide a structured platform for professional youth engagement across several fields. Participants actively learn advanced carpet-weaving techniques alongside traditional kilim-weaving skills. Furthermore, instructors teach modern woodcraft techniques to help young artisans diversify their products and expand their market opportunities.
Khoy currently hosts a significant nomadic population known for producing exceptionally high-quality handmade products. Experts believe that structured training programs and dedicated workspaces will help nomadic handicrafts reach wider markets. These authentic local creations possess strong commercial potential both within Iran and internationally.
Government leaders often praise Iranian nomads as dedicated guardians of the nation’s borderlands. Their intricate handicrafts represent a vital component of the country’s rich intangible cultural heritage. Therefore, strengthening the nomadic economy directly helps protect vulnerable border regions from depopulation and economic decline.